Waiheke Whisky Club Nights

Waiheke Whisky x Whitestone Cheese

It’s about time we opened the doors here to invite you to explore whisky with us, so, every month, we’re hosting Whisky club night in the distillery here on Waiheke Island. Unless there are special reasons why we move a date around, these will be on the third Friday of every month, so you can set up a calendar date now.

What’s the idea?

To develop a tasting club devoted to our favourite drink. Build friendships and learn about the history and production of different types of whisky from all around the globe as well as our local distilleries. To grow experience in tasting and grading whisky and just to have fun.

Who’s it for?

Anyone and everyone who’s keen to learn about whisky, share a story or experience and just enjoy this wonderful diverse drink. You definitely don’t need to be an expert and we welcome anyone even if you haven’t got any experience in the whisky world. We’re making this for everyone and that includes the price. We have a deep knowledge of whisky, and we’ll invite experts in so you wil guaranteed to leave knowing more than you did when you arrived.

What’s the format?

It’s an accessible relaxed, round table chat, about all things whisky, including at least 4 tastings per night, themed to either a style or geographic location of whisky, or something that the whiskies have in common such as a taste profile, a regional theme, a type of barrel or distillation process.

What sort of whisky are we taking about ?

Each session will feature a Waiheke Whisky or two, along with drams from all over the world. We will serve special tastings from bottles from our own collection of special drams - these might be old, expensive and hard to get single malts, or a special bottle we’ve brought back from travels to the new whisky world. When we can time it right we will have guest ambassadors here to share drams too.

How long is a meeting and who's running the show?

Some months we will have a tasting that will be more complex, with guest hosts alongside us, at others the sessions will be short and sweet, but always informative and intimate. This first one is shorter and sweeter, the guided session will go from 7 pm - 8 pm. Hosted by Mark Izzard, our founder, and Patrick Newton head distiller.

Whats happening on the first night?

To kick off we’re exploring bourbon & whisky four ways. Everything you want to know about American Oak, its influence on both single malt production and American style whiskey. Expect some bourbon finished single malt, some special USA bourbon, and bourbon-based surprises.

Four drams and a Whitestone Cheese platter to snack on, the inaugural ticket price is $32.50 pp.

The Boilermaker bar at the distillery will be open from 6.30 pm until 8.30 pm for a bit more chat

Where is the club held?

At the Waiheke Whisky Distillery, in the Barrel Hall at The Heke, 64 Onetangi Road, Waiheke Island.

Invite a friend. You’re welcome to book dinner at The Heke here before the session, or just pop in and out.

How to Book

Book now by email bookings@theheke.co.nz or book online

For Your Diary: Planned Club night dates:

Friday 16th August

Friday 20th September

Friday 18th October (tbc - we might move this to 25th to coincide with Labour Weekend)

Friday 15th November

Friday 20th December

Terms & Conditions:

Once purchased your ticket is not refundable, but you can put it towards a future date.

This is an R18 event. We are responsible hosts and reserve the right to refuse to serve anyone on the night.

The ticket price includes a guided tasting session, four drams and snacks, other drinks will be available to purchase when the bar is open.